Thank you very much.
While these proposals are perhaps the most well-known, there are a number of other pipeline proposals that clearly demonstrate the advantages Canada offers. For example, the proposed Keystone XL pipeline would feed western Canadian heavy crude to refineries on the U.S. Gulf Coast. Enbridge is proposing to reverse the flow of its Line 9 pipeline to carry oil eastward to refineries in Quebec City and Montreal.
TransCanada's Energy East proposal would extend part of its mainline and convert it from gas to oil. It would connect terminals in Quebec City and Saint John for refining and for export. All these proposals will be thoroughly reviewed by our independent regulator to ensure that decisions are based on science and safe for the environment. But they do show that Canada is and will remain open to an ambitious trade agenda.
We're committed to furthering Canadian trade, because we know that by promoting Canadian resources abroad we're positioning Canada for success at home. Truly, Canada is standing on the brink of opportunities unlike anything we have seen in the past. Over the next decade, several hundred major resource projects are planned or under way in Canada, representing investments of more than $650 billion. These projects will help to create thousands of high-quality, well-paid jobs for Canadians in every sector of our economy and every corner of our country. Creating jobs and securing economic growth remains our government's top priority.
Our commitment is reflected in Natural Resources Canada's budget. With our supplementary estimates (B), Natural Resources Canada's 2013-14 funding will show total budgetary authorities of $2.8 billion. NRCan's supplementary request calls for additional funding of $1.9 million.
Mr. Chair, this net funding request of $1.9 million is the result of various proposed funding increases and transfers. There are a number of such funding priorities, including an outreach program to expand market opportunities in Canada and abroad and to provide concrete facts about the importance of Canada's natural resources sector and what our government is doing to promote safe and responsible resource development. This campaign will strengthen Canada's brand as a global leader in responsible resource development.
There is additional funding to advance geoscience and our geological knowledge by renewing the geo-mapping for energy and minerals program in Canada's north. Our government is committed to helping unlock the full mineral and energy potential of the north. Over the next 10 years, it is estimated that GEM will generate more than $500 million in economic activity through private sector exploration of new energy and mineral resources.
There's money earmarked to map the Atlantic and Arctic seabed as part of Canada's bid to redefine our coastal boundaries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, also referred to as UNCLOS. This initiative will help expand Canada's borders and allow us to claim new seabed to advance Canada's interests.
During the past year, I have travelled across Canada and the world promoting our trade program and many of the great programs I just mentioned.
At the heart of our work was the responsible resource development plan, which will make Canada more competitive, create jobs and growth, and protect our natural environment.
My department continued to support the revitalization of the mining and forest industries, preserving jobs and stabilizing communities.
With an eye on the future, we continue to invest in science and technology, securing agreements with other levels of government and other countries on collaborative approaches to energy, such as the Canada-Korea Energy Dialogue and the Statement of Oil and Gas Cooperation.
Mr. Chair, members of the committee, there's no question that Canada's natural resources are setting the stage for a new era of jobs, growth, and prosperity for Canadians. Right now the potential for growth has never been greater. Our government is determined to seize this opportunity and capture the Canadian advantage today to create long-term prosperity for tomorrow.
Thank you again for the opportunity to appear before the committee. I'm happy to answer any questions you may have.